The Morning Muster A Column For and By Veterans

Take a Ruck Through Historic Rockland

With the warm weather in full swing, why not take advantage by getting active and checking out the local historical sites Rockland has to offer. While our county may seem like a quiet suburb, it was also once a strategic cornerstone during the Revolutionary War, World War II, and the Cold War. If you are looking for a family outing, a weekend drive with your fellow veterans, or just want to take a solo ruck, check out these three historic landmarks right at home!

Camp Shanks Museum and Monument (Orangeburg, NY)

During WW2, Camp Shanks was referred to as “Last Stop, USA”, and was the largest embarkation camp on the East Coast. This base processed over 1.3 million troops before shipping out to Europe, including the Tuskegee Airmen. Today, you can walk around the immediate area to view the monument wall, commemorative plaques, and authentic WWII barracks. The indoor museum is open between June and August from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends and is completely free.

Clausland Mountain and Nike Missile Sites (Orangeburg / Nyack NY) 

The mountains of Rockland were heavily fortified during the Cold War in the 1950s and 60s. The Clausland Mountains was a supersonic Nike-Hercules missile launch site, designed to shoot down Soviet Bombers targeting NYC. Today, this area provides a great outdoor hiking experience, spanning over 500 wooded acres with designated marked paths. Open from sunrise to sunset year round, it is free to enter. 

Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site (Stony Point, NY)

In 1779, this site was home to a midnight bayonet assault on the British led by General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, securing a huge victory for George Washington and the Continental Army. Now, it is a beautiful and walkable park, with paved paths and dirt trails overlooking the Hudson River. The grounds are open until late October, with walkways accessible Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Heat Survival Guide

As the weather improves and we start spending more time outside, we must discuss a familiar enemy… Heat.             

  Here is a quick reference guide to ensure your safety during the upcoming Summer months: 

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is a warning sign that occurs when your body loses too much water and salt. Look out for heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps and dizziness. If you are experiencing any symptoms, move to a cool, shaded area or air conditioned room. Also loosen clothing and sip water slowly. 

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that signals failure of your body’s cooling system. Check for body temperatures above 103 Fahrenheit, red, hot, or dry skin, a fast and strong pulse, confusion or losing consciousness. If any of the following occurs, immediately call 911, move to shade, attempt to cool with ice packs, douse with cool water, or fan until medics arrive. 

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index

In the military, the WBGT index measures heat stress in direct sunlight. Based on this index, commands fly specific color flags to specify how much physical activity is allowed and how much water to drink to protect against heat casualties. If you are planning to get active this summer, you can implement this system for your own safety baseline.  

Green Flag (80-84.9*F): Use discretion when planning heavy exercise for unacclimatized troops. While a safe zone, it is used as a signal to start pushing fluids while exercising outside.

Yellow Flag: (85-87.9*F): Strenuous exercise and activity must be suspended for unacclimatized troops during the first 2-3 weeks of training. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak hours of the day and take frequent, shaded breaks.

Red Flag (88-89.9*F): All strenuous activities must halt for troops not fully acclimated to the climate. Seasoned individuals should be capped at 30 minutes per hour for outdoor training, with 30 minutes for shade and hydration. 

Black Flag (90*F and above): All nonessential physical activity must be suspended for all personnel. Heat casualty risk is at its peak. If you must be outside, rest at least 50 minutes per hour and drink up to 1.5 quarters per hour.

Cooling Centers in Rockland 

Cooling centers are free, air conditioned public spaces across the county including libraries, community and senior centers and town halls. They are specifically designed to give a safe, climate controlled environment that allows those who lack necessary air conditioning in their homes to sit, rehydrate, and reset their body temperature. A full list is available at RocklandCountyNY.Gov

Cooling Assistance (HEAP)

Low income households may qualify for cooling assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help with the purchase and installation of an air conditioner. To learn more or apply, please call 1-800-342-3009.